In this guide
Amano Iwato Shrine (Amano Iwato Jinja) & Erihara no Mizuana
Amano Iwato Shrine was built near the cave about ten kilometers outside central Takachiho. The shrine’s main buildings stand on the opposite side of the Iwato River from the cave.
The cave itself cannot be approached. However, there is an observation deck behind the shrine’s main building from which you can look across the river. To access the observation deck, please inquire at the shrine entrance; a priest will provide a guided tour in Japanese.
A short walk down the road from Amano Iwato Shrine, a path leads down to the river. After a few minutes, you will begin to see tidy stacks of stones placed along the river by previous visitors to mark their pilgrimage to this “power spot.” Farther along, the stacks become more numerous, until you are surrounded by literally thousands of them as far as you can see.
Eventually, the path leads to a simple shrine inside a cave known as Amano Yasukawara. This is said to be the cave where the gods and goddesses gathered to discuss their strategy for luring Amaterasu out of hiding. The natural beauty of the cave and the river—lined with countless stone stacks—makes Amano Yasukawara a place not to miss.
General Information
- Address: Isobecho Erihara, Shima, Mie 517-0209, Japan
- Telephone: 090-7857-9628
- Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
- Admission: Free
Legend of Amano Iwato Shrine
Takachiho is the setting for one of the most well-known legends in Japanese mythology. In the story, Amaterasu, the Shinto sun goddess, became so outraged by her brother’s cruel pranks that she hid herself in a cave, refusing to come out and depriving the world of her life-giving light.
All the other gods and goddesses gathered to lure her out. They tried everything they could think of, without success—until one goddess performed an outrageously ribald dance that caused the other gods to roar with laughter. Amaterasu emerged from the cave to see what the commotion was about, and in doing so, returned her light to the world.
About ten kilometers outside central Takachiho, Amano Iwato Shrine was built near the cave where Amaterasu is said to have hidden herself away.
The Amano Iwato Kagura Festival
The Amano Iwato Kagura Festival is held from November through February. During this period, locals perform dances to pray for a good harvest, ward off demons, and invite deities to a building called Kagurayado. Thirty-three dances are performed through the night.
Ease of Access
Amano Iwato Shrine stands ten kilometers outside central Takachiho. A bus runs between the Takachiho Bus Center and the shrine (15 minutes, 200 yen one way, one bus every 1–2 hours).
Amano Yasukawara is about a 10-minute walk from Amano Iwato Shrine. Follow the road for a few meters until a path leads down to—and then along—the river to the cave.
